Staff Nurse 

Main purpose : To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team within the context of the designated ward. To assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care and work in collaboration with other professionals in achieving the delivery of a quality and safe service that is keeping with the Hospitals mission. The post-holder will have responsibility for the assessment of adult or young people’s care needs and the development and evaluation of programmes of care.

Adolescent Duties:

• Function as a Named Key Nurse, within a multi-disciplinary team to a defined group of young people within the overall unit complement.
• Participation in the comprehensive assessment of young people who present to the adolescent unit in collaboration with the young person, their family and the multi-disciplinary team.
• Plan and implement appropriate recovery oriented care plans for each young person that are evidence based and /incorporate best practice guidelines.
• Provide nursing care based on ongoing assessment of a young person’s daily functioning, identified needs and goals and which takes cognisance of a young persons’ strengths.
• Collaborate with each young person/family on the development of recovery oriented goals and ongoing progress of their care plan.
• Plan, facilitate and evaluate appropriate nursing interventions in the context of the key working role which assist the young person to achieve the goals identified in their care plan.
• Complete written records in line with hospital policy, ensuring relevant clinical information is documented accurately and legibly.
• Promote collegiality and team working through respectful communication, approachability, respect for other people’s opinions and actively work to create a positive work environment.
• Plan, implement and evaluate individual, group, family or parenting therapeutic interventions either alone under direct supervision or jointly with another professional.
• Contribute to the maintenance of the Therapeutic Milieu model with a view to empowering young people to realise and maintain their potential in relation to health and wellbeing.
• Practice within An Bord Altranais Code of Professional Conduct for each Nurses and Midwives’ (2000), the Mental Health Act 2001, Children’s First Guidelines and all other relevant legislation.
• To comply with the defined policies, procedures, standards and protocols of the unit, the adolescent service and the wider organisation to ensure professional accountability, excellent clinical governance and delivery of a high-quality service.
• Supervise and support the practice of less experienced staff, both qualified and unqualified, including the provision of relevant support which might be required to address professional capability issues.
• When required periodically assess the competence of students and less experienced staff and support their professional development.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development by availing of all learning opportunities provided/offered, and attend all mandatory training.
• Participate in regular management support and supervision sessions and avail of clinical supervision with named clinical supervisor.
• Take charge of the ward in the absence of a clinical nurse manager and ensure the quality of care and standards of safety are maintained.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the distress caused by mental illness, and the social and personal consequences of mental illness for young people and their families.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the effects of the role on ones’ own mental health and wellbeing, and demonstrate ability to seek assistance and guidance from colleagues where appropriate.

Candidates must have:                    

• Current registration with the psychiatric division, or be Eligible for registration with the psychiatric division which nursing and midwifery board of Ireland.
• Proven ability to establish solid working relationships within an organisation and with service users
• Excellent, proven clinical knowledge.
• Post registration experience is desirable.
• Adolescent mental health nursing experience desirable

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge          

Professional Knowledge

• Knowledge of outside agencies and their roles and functions
• Experience in facilitating therapeutic groups.
• Experience in working in cross functional and multidisciplinary teams
• Knowledge of Mental Health Commission legislative and regulatory guidelines for service delivery
• Clear understanding of and commitment to the Hospital Strategy.

Competencies/Skills

• Strong Communication / interpersonal skills
• Self Motivated with Initiative.
• Proven ability to work in a team
• Ability to develop and maintain constructive working relationships at all levels both within the organisation and with third parties including service user groups.
• Assertiveness
• Organisational, Administrative and I.T. skills
• Proven leadership qualities within defined parameters
• Proven awareness of own limitations and ability to take direction when required

Note: all criteria outlined above are essential, unless otherwise indicated